England’s 2018 World Cup bid in jeopardy

FIFA has warned England officials (the FA) that failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa could affect their bid to host the tournament in 2018.

What?!  Are you kidding me?!

England not being a part of the World Cup as a team or a host?!

Is the end near?!

It is bad enough that England did not qualify for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.  But, now, England’s international dominance could be in serious jeopardy if they do not qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

FIFA official Dr. Danny Jordaan warned England officials that hosting the 2018 World Cup would be out of the question if they did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

The stance taken by FIFA is very concerning.  However, hopefully, it will open the eyes of the England players regarding the urgency and importance of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

FIFA’s stance is purely profit-driven.  And from a business perspective, I cannot blame them.  From a soccer perspective, I cringe.

First, the business perspective.  FIFA is concerned with England on the following levels:

1. ‘They have to remain on the top of the minds of the global football discussions, so 2010 is important for England not just for the fans but also their campaign.’

2.  ‘In terms of why England should host it, it must be the pedigree of English football. You have the Premier League being the best league in the world and the England team not being one of the best.’

3. Jordaan feels England must have the same strategy and use the profile of David Beckham. He added: ‘Beckham is one of the players with the highest profile and can contribute. People want to associate their event with high-profile individuals and Beckham fits the bill.’

4. ‘It’s very important that you have teams with a high profile at the World Cup. England took 110,000 (fans) to Germany, that is quite a high number and teams like that are a must-have. ‘Not only the numbers, those fans bring a special dimension to the event. I hope under Capello that England can qualify for 2010. ‘(FIFA president) Sepp Blatter’s own understanding is that not enough of the England players are getting opportunities in the domestic league which is why he is proposing the `six-plus-five’ (ruling on the number of overseas players per team).’

The history of the World Cup has proven that it is a cash cow.  The earnings of the World Cup for the host country and the marketers dwarf the likes of the NFL Super Bowl, the World Series and the NBA finals.  Thus, I completely understand FIFA’s business viewpoint.

However, FIFA’s goal is to enhance, improve and promote the play of soccer.  FIFA briefly touches on the soccer perspective.

Therefore, the second point to address is the soccer perspective.

Unfortunately, FIFA is not as concerned about this.  FIFA does address England’s need to step up their game since England is revered as the “mecca of soccer” due to the success of the Premier League.  Unfortunately, the success and prominence of the Premier League has not transferred to on-the-field and technical success for the English national team.

It is very obvious that FIFA is strictly concerned about the financial windfall that the World Cup provides and the impact England has.

England, good luck qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.  It will definitely be a shame if you are not there due to the rich football history you possess.  However, the tournament is for the best teams in the world and if England is not the best of the best any more, then let the revolution of the evolution begin.

Referenced Sources: ESPNsoccernet.com and FIFA.com.

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